National Security

The White House is trying to get Congressional support for military intervention in Syria. But a poll shows American citizens are not in favor of attacking. How important is domestic and international support? Host Michel Martin asks two former White House insiders: Ron Christie and Corey Ealons.

The president did not rule out going ahead with a military strike on the Assad regime's assets even if Congress does not agree. Obama is on the first day of a short trip to Europe. While there, he'll push for support from other world leaders.

The Syrian presidents insists that the United States and other have not been able to back their claims that Syrian government forces used chemical weapons in an Aug. 21 attack. His remarks come as President Obama lobbies two key senators regarding his plan to use military force against Syria.

The Syrian president's supporters celebrated when President Obama announced he would seek Congress's approval for a military strike. But rebel forces fighting for President Bashar Assad's ouster were dismayed.

Members of Congress have been arguing for a week that the president should seek their approval on a military response to Syria. Now that Obama has agreed, it may be a case of "careful what you wish for." Guest host Wade Goodwyn asks NPR political correspondent Mara Liasson what Congress might do.

Military officials are concerned that a limited strike against Syria could prompt the Assad regime to target civilians with more conventional weapons. Guest host Wade Goodwyn speaks with NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman.

The president said has made up his mind that military action is required in Syria. And in a major surprise, he says he will seek permission from Congress to do it. Officials say that decision took him less than 24 hours to make.

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